Carry on, carry on...

My carry on/day pack is ready to go. Here's what I put in it for the plane ride.

• My medicine - carry on everything you absolutely must have. Then if your suitcase is lost you're OK until it is found or we can get replacements. I also have a mini first aid kit.
• Change of clothes (including underwear)- who wants to wear the same thing for 3 days?
• Wallet - with just enough cash for the day and my i.d. (driver's license)
• Laptop - I never put valuables in my suitcase for the flight. (I do not recommend anyone else take a computer. They are heavy and bulky and a theft risk. Your phone/tablet is enough.  Anyone that needs computer time can borrow mine!)
• Tablet - for reading, games and everything else.
• Camera - big memory card and extra battery
• Phone - make sure you've set it up for international and know how your plan works overseas. (Yes, your phone can take the place of the tablet and camera)
• Cords and chargers for everything in the bag
• Good headphones
• Snacks & gum
• Glasses & sunglasses
• My travel binder - time to read up on what I need to know and start my journal!
• Coloring book (and these cool self sharpening colored pencils I found)
• Pen to fill out any forms required by customs
• One quart bag with mini (3oz or less) shampoo, antiperspirant, contact solution & case, toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion and chapstick. Keep this in an outside pocket so you can get it out quickly for security check. 
• Jacket - the plane can get cold. 
• A blow up neck pillow
• I buy a cheap bottle of water once I get through security and then refill it the rest of the trip. 
• You do not need to pack exactly like me. Think of your carry on in two categories: the things you must have to function if your suitcase is lost and entertainment. Customize it for yourself and remember to pack light!

I empty and repack this bag for day trips once I get to the hotel. For out and about town it holds my wallet, sunglasses, mini first aid kit, sunscreen, phone or tablet for navigation and travel apps, jacket, umbrella and water bottle. 

This list does not include the things I have in my neck wallet - passport, credit card, cash. The neck pouch stays on me the entire trip without fail!

4 days!